Press Releases

Wind on the Wires Announces Its New Name - Clean Grid Alliance

Minnesota Energy Storage Alliance to Become a New Program

ST. PAUL, MINN. (September 19, 2018) - Wind on the Wires, a regional authority on wind energy policy, transmission planning, and renewable energy advocacy in the Upper Midwest, has re-branded and is now "Clean Grid Alliance."

"Rebranding was a necessary, thoughtful and deep dive into the essence of our brand attributes and our core work areas," said Beth Soholt, Executive Director of the new Clean Grid Alliance. "As our members have evolved into developing solar and energy storage projects in addition to wind, we grew right along with them. However, our name did not reflect our expanded service offerings. We felt it was important for our name to better represent the full scope of our organization." Clean Grid Alliance works on wind, solar and energy storage policy, regulatory proceedings, transmission work and public education about the benefits of renewable energy in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) footprint.

"Although Wind on the Wires is a much-loved name and logo, which has served us very well for the past 17 years, it's time to move forward with a name that encapsulates our work and our vision, and helps us better connect with potential new members and funders. After much reflection, and a very deliberate process, we felt 'Clean Grid Alliance' best captured the work we do and the partnerships that we develop with our members and colleague organizations to achieve our purpose of 'delivering Midwest renewable energy,'" said Soholt.

Members and friends of Wind on the Wires were the first to learn about the rebrand during the "Wake-up with WOW" breakfast event on September 11. The breakfast event featured a panel of the CEOs from the wind, solar and storage industry associations who were on stage together for the first time. The industry CEOs highlighted how they are working together to capture the "energy future." Also during that event, Ellen Anderson, Executive Director of the Energy Transition Lab at the University of Minnesota announced to the capacity-crowd that the Minnesota Energy Storage Alliance (MESA) would become a program of Clean Grid Alliance. "We agreed that for MESA to grow and prosper as a strong organization and voice for energy storage development, it was time to take MESA to a more permanent and appropriate home outside the University," said Anderson. "The multiple technologies in the energy grid of the future that the Clean Grid Alliance serves, and the great track record of engaging its membership in meaningful and impactful ways, ensures MESA will be able to formalize its structure, grow its membership and capacity, and provide more opportunities for member action and involvement," she said.

"We look forward to taking on the energy storage work, which will be a part of a transition to a clean energy economy and integral to our goal of delivering Midwest renewable energy," said Soholt.

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Clean Grid Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Paul, Minn., that works to advance renewable energy in the Midwest. Its members are comprised of wind and solar developers, environmental organizations, public interest groups, clean energy advocates, farm groups and businesses providing goods and services to the wind and solar industries.